'Recognise this place for SEND children' - Lancashire MP on Preston learning hub for home educated children

Ribble Valley MP Maya Ellis has praised a new learning hub for home-educated children that aims to help those disengaged with mainstream schools.

Mrs Ellis visited Lancashire Wildflowers Learning Hub, a new community interest company, in Fulwood, founded by Gemma Mills inspired by her son’s struggles with schooling.

The centre, which offers places for children aged eight to 16, is now in talks with one local high school about the possibility of offering occasional support to pupils, including those with special educational needs.

‘No two children with special educational needs are the same’

Maya, who saw children taking part in craft activities, planting seeds, and met the centre’s pet rabbits, said she would be feeding back on her visit to the Department for Education, as part of current reform of SEND provision. The facility has recently extended as an alternative provision for children that are still in schools, offering support to children struggling in schools with emotionally based school avoidance, poor mental health and trauma.

She said: “I believe we should be recognising the strengths of organisations like Lancashire Wildflowers as part of any SEND and education reforms. No two children with special educational needs are the same and, for some, the school environment can prove difficult. Gemma is creating a nurturing environment with personalised care for home-educated children, based on her own experiences, to help raise confidence and improve outcomes.

“I strongly believe that anyone with special needs, or just anyone who doesn’t currently feel they thrive in mainstream education, should be supported so that they don’t become disenfranchised with education and learning altogether.”

The hub, which offers life skills, creative learning and outdoor activities, offers day places for all home-educated children, but Gemma Mills predicts it will be particularly popular with those parents who felt they had no other choice but to take their children out of school.

Background

Eight years ago, the former childcare support worker home-educated her 11-year-old son after he struggled at school. He enrolled at Myerscough College aged 14 and is now studying at university. Lancashire Wildflowers doesn’t offer educational teaching, although tutoring can be booked separately.

Gemma said: “I wanted to open somewhere that parents/carers can turn to when they needed support. I want them to know I am always at the other end of the phone for advice, and they are welcome to come for a visit or a chat when they need. We are here to support all families whether they are home educating, considering home educating or have a child that is struggling in a school.”

She is also planning to offer mentoring to families going down the home education route.